13 Best Spring Hikes Near Seattle (With Dog-Friendly Options!)
Spring is one of the best times to hike near Seattle, but it can also be a challenge to figure out which trails are open and worth hiking in springtime conditions. Higher elevation trails can still be buried in snow, the weather changes fast, and muddy conditions are basically guaranteed. That’s exactly why I put together this list of the best spring hikes near Seattle, with a mix of waterfall trails, lakes, viewpoints, and a few longer adventures that are actually worth it this time of year.
I’m a Seattle local and I’ve spent years hiking all over Washington in every season, so these are trails I have done (some multiple times!) and genuinely recommend for spring. Whether you’re looking for an easy weekend hike, a good workout, or a slightly longer spring hiking trip, this list breaks down everything you need to know for hiking near Seattle in the spring!
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The Best Spring Hikes Near Seattle at a Glance
Waterfalls + Forest Hikes
- Wallace Falls
- Twin Falls
- Cherry Creek Falls
- Otter Falls
- Snoqualmie Falls Trail
- Heather Lake
Epic Views + Unique Trails
- Little Si
- Rattlesnake Ledge
- Heybrook Lookout
- Oyster Dome
- Kendall Peak Lakes
- Ancient Lakes Trail
- Goat Lake
Keep scrolling for trail details, difficulty, and what makes each hike great in spring. Every hike and trail featured in this blog post is dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your leashed dog along with you!
How to Choose the Best Spring Hikes Near Seattle
- Stick to lower elevation trails early in the season to avoid snow. If a hike starts near Snoqualmie Pass or features higher elevation gain, there’s a good chance it’s still holding snow well into spring!
- Expect mud and bring the right shoes. Spring hiking near Seattle is basically a choose your fighter situation: waterproof boots or shoes you don’t mind getting dirty.
- Plan for spring weather mood swings. A sunny start to the day can turn into heavy rain fast, so I always pack a lightweight rain jacket and an extra layer even if it looks nice out.
- Bring traction if you are hiking in early spring. Microspikes can be overkill on some trails, but they’re a lifesaver if you hit leftover snow or icy patches in shaded areas.
- Always pack the basics, even for easy hikes. Water, snacks, offline maps, and a headlamp are my minimum, especially when trails are muddy and conditions are unpredictable.
Wallace Falls
Wallace Falls is a great “choose your own adventure” hike because there are multiple viewpoints that vary in difficulty to reach. What makes this trail awesome in the spring is the heavier water flow from all the rain, so the waterfall looks even more epic than usual.
You’ll find viewpoints at the lower falls, middle falls, and upper falls. My personal favorite is the middle falls (shown above). Dogs are also allowed on leash, which makes this a great trail to enjoy with your furry friend.
Twin Falls
Twin Falls is one of the best spring hikes near Seattle if you want a short and easy trail with a nice waterfall payoff. Spring is the perfect time to go because the falls are flowing hard, and the whole area feels extra lush and green.
The trail is pretty mellow overall, which makes it great for beginners or anyone who wants a shorter hike that still feels rewarding. Dogs are allowed on leash, so it’s another solid option if you want a dog-friendly spring hike close to Seattle.
🌲 Want to hike Twin Falls and Snoqualmie Falls but don’t have a car? This guided hiking tour includes transportation from Downtown Seattle! 🌲
Cherry Creek Falls
Cherry Creek Falls feels like a hidden gem compared to some of the more crowded hikes near Seattle, and it’s pretty easy to get to from Seattle or Bellevue. The waterfall is shorter than Wallace Falls or Twin Falls, but it’s nice and wide with a pool-like basin.
This one can get a little muddy in spots, especially earlier in the season, so wear shoes you don’t mind getting dirty. Just like Wallace Falls and Twin Falls, Cherry Creek Falls is a great waterfall hike to do with your dog because they’re allowed on-leash on this trail!
Little Si
Little Si is one of my favorite spring hikes near Seattle when I want a good workout without committing to a full day on the trail. It’s one of the more popular hikes near Seattle, though, so be prepared to share the trail. It’s usually snow free earlier than a lot of higher elevation hikes, and the viewpoint at the top is such a satisfying payoff on a clear day!
This trail gets really busy on weekends, especially when the sun comes out, so going early in the day makes a huge difference. Dogs are allowed on-leash on this trail, as well.
Rattlesnake Ledge
Rattlesnake Ledge is one of those hikes that’s popular for a reason. It’s short, steep, and the view over Rattlesnake Lake is gorgeous, especially in spring when everything starts turning green again.
The only downside is that it can get extremely crowded on weekends, so I recommend going early or choosing a weekday if you can. The view might also be obstructed on a cloudy spring day, so make sure to check the forecast if you’re hoping for good visibility. Dogs are allowed on leash here, too!
Heybrook Lookout
I love hiking to Heybrook Lookout in the spring because I find the views much more satisfying with snowy mountain peaks in the distance. Plus, in the spring this trail is slightly less crowded compared to the summer. It’s a steady climb up to the lookout, and once you reach the top, you get amazing views that feel way more dramatic than you’d expect for such a short trail!
If you decide to hike to Heybrook Lookout, I highly recommend stopping at the Espresso Chalet on Highway 2 for great coffee and funny Sasquatch references!
Heather Lake
Heather Lake is a great spring hike near Seattle if you want something a little more challenging with a lake payoff at the end. The trail climbs steadily through the forest, and it feels like a good “training hike” for summer if you’re trying to build up your hiking legs. Beware of the rocks on the trail if it’s rainy or wet because they can be quite slippery!
Depending on the time of spring you go, you might run into some lingering snow near the top, so it’s worth checking recent trip reports. Dogs are allowed on-leash, and it’s such a fun trail if you want a longer hike that still feels doable in shoulder season.
Oyster Dome
Oyster Dome is one of the best spring hikes near Seattle when you time it right, because the views over the water are unreal. The trail is a bit of a climb, but the payoff at the top is totally worth it on a clear day.
Spring weather can be hit or miss up here, so I recommend saving this one for a day when visibility looks decent. I made the mistake of doing this hike on a rainy, cloudy spring day thinking that I could wait out the bad weather once I got to the top. Don’t make the same mistake I did! There was zero visibility of the views in the rain, and I need a re-do of this hike! I’d only recommend this hike if the weather is cooperating and visibility is clear.
Otter Falls
Otter Falls is a great spring hike if you’re looking for a quieter trail that still has a solid waterfall payoff. It’s a classic forest hike with that peaceful, tucked away feeling that’s hard to find on the more popular Seattle area trails.
Spring is the best time to go because the waterfall is flowing strong and the trail feels extra green. If you’re craving a spring waterfall hike without the weekend chaos, this one is a great pick.
Kendall Peak Lakes Trail
Kendall Peak Lakes is more of a late spring hike depending on the snowpack, but it’s absolutely worth mentioning for anyone planning hikes as the season warms up. If you go in early spring, it’s more of a snowshoe trail so make sure to pack accordingly!
I backpacked this trail in early March and there was still significant snowpack. It was a super fun winter backpacking experience, though! I’d highly recommend this trail to anyone looking for a challenge with great views near Seattle.
Snoqualmie Falls Trail
Snoqualmie Falls is iconic, and spring is when it looks the most dramatic thanks to all the extra water flow. The trail down to the lower viewpoint is short and easy, but it still feels like a legit mini-hike, especially if you want to stretch your legs without doing anything too intense.
This is also a great spring option if you’re showing visitors around or want something low effort with a big payoff. Expect crowds, but it’s still so worth seeing when the falls are roaring!
Ancient Lakes
Ancient Lakes is one of my favorite spring hikes to recommend if you want to escape the crowds and do something totally different and off-the-beaten-path. It’s a bit farther from Seattle, but spring is the perfect time to go because the weather is usually nicer on the east side, and you beat the summer heat.
The scenery out here is more desert landscape mixed with cliffs and canyons, which is such a fun change from the typical west side lush green forest hikes. If you want a spring hike that feels like a mini road trip adventure, this one is so worth it! I recommend pairing it with a visit out to Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park!
Goat Lake
Goat Lake is one of my favorite hikes in Washington, but it’s usually only accessible in late spring or early summer once the snow melts out. That said, conditions can vary a lot year to year, and road closures can change the timing too, so I wanted to include it here just in case you’re reading this later in the spring season and it’s a viable option for your trip.
If you do end up hiking Goat Lake, you’re in for a seriously gorgeous lake and one of the most rewarding payoffs in the area that makes the longer drive worth it. Plus, you can even see a glacier and waterfalls if you bring a packraft and get out on the water! The view from the shore is just as epic, too.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spring Hikes Near Seattle
What are the best easy spring hikes near Seattle?
Many of the hikes featured in this blog post range from easy to moderate difficulty. My personal favorite easy hike is Snoqualmie Falls or Cherry Creek Falls. These both feature lower elevation gain, making it less physically taxing compared to trails with high elevation gain.
What are the closest spring hikes near Seattle?
The closest spring hikes to Seattle are Twin Falls, Rattlesnake Ledge, Snoqualmie Falls, and Little Si Trail. These trails are all within 45-minutes driving from downtown Seattle. If you’re launching your adventure from Bellevue, Cherry Creek Falls is the closest trail featured in this blog post, and it’s great to hike in the spring!
Do I need microspikes for spring hiking near Seattle?
Many of the spring hikes near Seattle won’t require microspikes if the trails are at a lower elevation but it’s always a good idea to pack them just in case. I once ran into snowpack in late June on a trail near Mount Rainier, so it’s definitely possible to see snow later in the spring and even into the summer.
What are the best spring waterfall hikes near Seattle?
In my opinion, Wallace Falls and Twin Falls are the best spring waterfall hikes near Seattle. If you’re hoping to get epic waterfall views with roaring waters, these hikes are definitely your best bet. Snoqualmie Falls is great, too, but it’s usually more crowded during the spring compared to other waterfall hikes near Seattle.
What are the best spring hikes near Seattle that are dog-friendly?
All of the hikes featured in this blog post are dog-friendly as long as your dog is on a leash and well-behaved. It’s important to clean up after your pet and bring plenty of water and kibble with you to restore your dog’s energy levels, especially on longer trails.
I also recommend carrying a dog-specific first-aid kit in case of emergencies. Tracking devices like AirTags can be useful, too, in case you get separated from your dog on the trail.
What should I pack for spring hikes near Seattle?
Spring hikes near Seattle usually mean muddy trails, cooler temps, and unpredictable weather, so I always dress in layers and pack a few essentials. A lightweight rain jacket, a warm mid layer, and water and snacks go a long way, and I also love having my Venustas Heated Vest for chilly mornings or windy viewpoints.
If there’s any chance of lingering snow or icy patches, microspikes are a must, and I pretty much live in my Kuhl hiking pants in spring because they’re comfortable, durable, and handle damp conditions way better than leggings.
Final Thoughts on the Best Spring Hikes Near Seattle
I hope this guide to the best spring hikes near Seattle helps you plan your next adventure on the trail. Whether you’re looking for a quick waterfall hike, a workout with a view, or a longer day trip that feels like a mini escape, spring is such a fun time to get outside and explore.
One of my favorite things about hiking near Seattle in the spring is that everything feels extra alive. The forests are bright green, the waterfalls are flowing hard, and you can still find quieter trails before peak summer crowds hit. Just make sure you’re prepared for a little mud and unpredictable weather, and you’ll have an amazing time.
If you’re planning more spring adventures, be sure to check out my other Pacific Northwest travel guides for ideas on hikes, road trips, and seasonal events.
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